Five Ways to Deal With the "Overqualified" Label

Deborah Banda – Hey Maryland - being labeled as overqualified when you’re a job seeker can be a tough obstacle to overcome.

Although it doesn’t happen just to older workers, it is an added burden when you’re 50-plus.

It’s true — you may be overqualified for a job. But there are ways to turn that into a positive. So, don’t be discouraged. AARP can help you turn your career goals into real possibilities with our resources for finding a job or starting a business at aarp.org/WorkResources.

Here are some ways to deal with the overqualified label, and to make your qualifications a virtue:

1. Streamline your resume.

Focus on skills, qualifications and recent accomplishments that are relevant to the position.

• Revise your resume to show how your relevant skills have produced proven results.

• The employer may view extensive experience as a drawback, so consider limiting your work history to 10 to 15 years. This may mean deleting seemingly relevant positions, but you’ll end up with a clearer, more targeted resume.

• List all technology credentials, including recent training and certifications.

• Use current industry keywords, especially for technical positions, throughout your resume.

2. Personalize your cover letter.

Cover letters can be a helpful tool to tell the employer something about yourself that might not be clear from your resume. For instance, you might want to provide context for why you are applying for a lower level position or one with less responsibility than you’ve previously held. Your cover letter can provide an effective way to explain other issues such as periods of time out of the workforce due to caregiving.

3. Prepare for the interview.

Think in advance of interview questions that might lead to the overqualified label, and determine how you’ll respond. Preempt these questions by proactively explaining that your priorities aren’t title or money. Emphasize your attitude, interests, skills and experience that led you to the position. Avoid being defensive, and remember to have a positive attitude, always.

Here are some questions or comments to prepare for in advance:

“Your salary requirements are high.”

Try to determine in advance if your salary requirement is within the industry or company’s range for the position. You can get salary information from the Occupational Outlook Handbook on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. If it is, explain that you believe the employer deserves excellence and experience, and that’s what you’ll bring. In addition, you will require less training, which will save the employer time and expense.

“This job is a step down for you.”

Be upbeat and confident in explaining why you want the job. For example, consider saying, “At this point in my career, I want to apply my skills to a new position or field.” Or, “I’m more interested in flexibility and work-life balance, but would consider taking on more responsibility in the future, should it be offered.”

“You’ll get bored.”

Assure the interviewer that you are focused, dedicated and have a track record of completing projects on time. Give examples of your proven work ethic, flexibility, and teamwork. Be sure to clearly state why you are interested in the particular job.

“You won’t stay long.”

Make sure you really want the position and, if true, explain that you envision working many years longer.

“Your experience is not current.”

Focus on your skills and recent training, not just your experience. Name the specific skills that are relevant to the job, how you have applied them, the outcomes, and how they will benefit the prospective employer.

At the end of the interview, if you feel you are still being viewed as overqualified, be assertive but friendly. Ask the interviewer an open-ended question, such as, “What other questions can I answer for you?” Follow up with reemphasizing why the position is the right fit for you and the employer, and reaffirm your interest in the job.

4. Present a confident attitude.

Show confidence. Stress your enthusiasm for the job and the reasons why you are uniquely qualified. If you appear unsure of yourself, your interviewer may doubt that you’re the right person for the job.

• Demonstrate that you’re attuned to the workforce that you want to enter. Make sure you are up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

• Appearance bolsters a positive impression. Make sure your choice of outfit is up-to-date and professional.

• Don’t oversell your years of experience. While interviewers do want to learn about you, most important to them is how you can benefit the employer if you’re hired.

5. Target appropriate jobs

If you are repeatedly told that you are overqualified, perhaps you’re applying for the wrong job or at the wrong level. Even if you’re applying for stopgap jobs in order to supplement your income, you need to find the right fit.

Combine an enthusiastic and open attitude with a solid resume to target positions that are right for you. Visit aarp.org/WorkResources to brush up on your job search skills and connect with employers that value experience and offer great places to work.

 

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Deborah Banda is Interim Vice President of the Financial Security issues team in the Education and Outreach group at AARP. She leads AARP’s educational and outreach efforts aimed at helping Americans achieve financial ‘peace of mind’. She can be reached at dbanda@aarp.org.